Corn Cob vs Walnut

[PecosRiverM]

I know both can be used to clean cases. Is there a difference/preference between the two?

Is one better for cleaning?

I'm currently using walnut. Should I also use corn cob(in a different tumbler).

 

[rcmodel]

Walnut is way more abrasive / aggressive for removing tarnish and getting a quick soft shine.

Corn-cob is much softer, less aggressive, and gives a much higher quality polish, (looks like gold jewelry) but takes longer.

If you want really really shiny brass, start out with walnut, then finish with corn-cob!

You don't need a different tumbler.
Just dump one out and put the other one back in.

rcmodel

 

[tlen]

+1 Walnut = clean & Corncob = polish. I don't need polished cases so I just use crushed walnut from the feed store.

 

[tunnug]

I mix both 50/50 and add a capfull of mineral spirits (paint thinner) I get really shiney clean brass fairly quick. try it, you'll be surprised at the shine.

 

[Sam1911]

I use the walnut that's treated with jeweler's rouge to extra polish the cases.

I don't need that much polish but that's what my shop had last time and I'm too cheap to throw it out.

'Sides, I'm getting to like having maroon dust all over everything and coating all the working surfaces of my 550. And it's just great how it stains my clothes, leaves smudges on my face and hands so I look like a dork. But the very best part is how much red dust then re-appears when I blow my nose after spending any time in the reloading room. I'm sure my lungs are extra shiny now, too!



-Sam

 

[zxcvbob]

Sam, dilute that stuff about 50% with untreated corncob grit. It's much less messy that way, and the expensive rouge-treated grit goes farther.

 

[Walkalong]

I just use corncob 97% of the time. (Why 97%, Cause it's a guess. )

 

[Sam1911]

Sam, dilute that stuff about 50% with untreated corncob grit. It's much less messy that way, and the expensive rouge-treated grit goes farther.

Now that's a pretty decent idea! Thanks!

-Sam

 

[lgbloader]

50/50 with Walnut and corncob and a capful of mineral Spirits and cut up dryer sheets with every batch. I add a capful of Nu Finish every 2K of brass.

LGB

 

[burningsquirrels]

i get the big crushed corn cob litter bag from walmart's pet area for $4 or so. i put that in my lyman with a capful of nu-finish car polish, works great. does 200 pieces in maybe 30-45 minutes, then by the fifth time around maybe a little over an hour depending if the brass came from indoors or out.

haven't heard of the dryer sheets, any particular reason?

 

[WNTFW]

pretty much what the rest of the gents here said.

I like the corncob for removing case lube.

 

[WNTFW]

Dryer sheets (used not new) pick up the dirt, dust, dried grass & help keep media clean. I poke mine over the center rod & don't cut them up.

 

[burningsquirrels]

you learn something new every day...

usually i use them to scoop and collect the lint from the lint filter.

 

[ls0n3]

so corn cob doesnt really clean as well as walnut?

treated walnut is messy?

get untreated/uncolored walnut for clean brass?

no clue where/how to put in a dryer sheet.

just trying to get the consensus down for this I too am totally new and was going to get corn cob cause i heard froma bud walnut media gets stuck in primer holes.

I planned on tumbling then depriming/priming etc. But never contemplated cleaning the primer holes.. cause of the media getting stuck issues I didnt intend on depriming then case cleaning. Cause I was gonan deprime/prime on my turret press.

So if I were to do it that way I should tumble them prior to depriming/priming.

or did I get this all wrong?

maybe take the little hand tool for cleaning primer pockets if the brass has ben fired several times or if the primer has trouble seating? or should I clean it every time?

 

[Steve in PA]

In general, corn cob does a better job polishing and walnut cleans better.

With either one I would add some liquid case polish, in my case it is Iosso. The cases come out like a shiny new penny, plus it cuts down on the dust/film often left on the cases if you use untreated media.

Forget cleaning the primer holes. I tumble, then resize/deprime. The media will only get stuck in the hole and you'll end up picking it out. Plus the media doesn't move around enough to clean it any way.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I also use a 50/50 mix. It seems to work best for me.